First off, The originator asks a very open-ended question. His only use of PVC was for a vertical antenna. So what is his intended use for a PVC mast? Except for very small wind-area antenna, it will not likely hold up. Why would one use inferior materials in place of easily obtained steel (best) or aluminum (satisfactory)?
Does he need an insulated mast? Does he plan an antenna that has to be isolated from nearby metal because...? (it would affect the pattern?)
Thick-wall fiberglass is considerably stronger than PVC and has all the characteristics. But neither will have the strength of steel. Adding wood inserted inside helps (somewhat). I made a 18-turn 432 helical beam with 1-1/4-inch wooden closet pole and it lasted two winters before snow-load broke it. I was too cheap for metal or fiberglass. Wood must be carefully selected for antenna material and probably not match using metal for strength/weight ratio.
Some antennas have used PVC tubing for part of the structure.
Perhaps a better answer would come with more details of what is to be supported by the PVC mast.
And re: negative nancy - she may have extensive experience to speak from. ;-) I thought that was what the query was about - experiences by others using PVC. Not everyone will have positive experiences with PVC.
73, Ed - KL7UW
At 10:31 AM 2/24/2011, Dave Webb KB1PVH wrote:
It would be great if all the Negative Nancys would offer a positive solution instead of just shooting it down that way we can all benefit.
Dave - KB1PVH
Sent from my Verizon Wireless DROID X On Feb 24, 2011 2:22 PM, "Matt Patterson" mattpatt@1starnet.com wrote:
I can't even believe that some people recommend doing this!
Matt W5LL
On 2/24/2011 11:21 AM, Ng, Peter wrote:
I'm looking to put up a mast and am curious, why PVC? Is it better than
steel?
73's Peter VE7NGP
-----Original Message----- From: amsat-bb-bounces@amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces@amsat.org] On
Behalf Of Bruce Semple
Sent: Thursday, February 24, 2011 6:41 AM To: AMSAT-BB@amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: PVC
And I forgot to mention -- I spray paint it all a flat black --- to help it blend in a little
better!
At 09:34 AM 2/24/2011, Bruce Semple wrote:
Hello Mike - I use schedule 40 PVC with an OAK closet pole down the center for added stiffness for a horizontal boom. For vertical mast I use two PVC schedule 40 - one inside the other - along with a wood pole. I use PVC end caps on the ends to keep water/ moisture out.
73, Bruce WA3SWJ
At 07:59 AM 2/24/2011, Mike1234 wrote:
Has anyone ever experimented with PVC pipe to use for a mast in place
of
steel ? I have used it for vertical antennas and stands up excellent to
the
winds and weather here in Toledo, Ohio .
Mike N8GBU
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73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45 ====================================== BP40IQ 500 KHz - 10-GHz www.kl7uw.com EME: 144-1.4kw*, 432-100w, 1296-testing*, 3400-winter? DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubususa@hotmail.com ====================================== *temp not in service